NEWS RELEASE 09:20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 29th CHURCHVILLE SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION CLINIC EXPANDED TO OFFER INJECTABLE VACCINE FOR THOSE AGES 4 AND OLDER

Bel Air, MD - October 26, 2009 - The Harford County Health Department has announced it will offer the injectable form of the seasonal flu vaccine at their upcoming community seasonal influenza vaccination clinic to be conducted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Churchville Recreation Center located at 111 Glenville Road in Churchville, Maryland.

The unexpected arrival on Friday of a new shipment of seasonal injectable vaccine will enable the Health Department to administer both the injectable and FluMist (nasal) forms of the seasonal flu vaccine at the Churchville community vaccination clinic, rather than just the FluMist, as was originally planned. The injectable form of the seasonal vaccine is approved only for those 4 years of age and older. The seasonal Flumist is approved for healthy individuals ages 2 through 49.

Both forms of vaccine are available in limited quantities at the Churchville vaccination clinic and will be administered on a first come, first served basis. The Health Department currently has no other seasonal flu vaccination clinics scheduled.

Health Officer Susan Kelly indicated that, by now, she hoped that everyone is aware from media reports how problematic the distribution of influenza vaccines has been to Health Departments as well as to community partners throughout Maryland. She also stated that the Department's availability and supply of vaccines has been the key determinant in scheduling and implementing community vaccination clinics. The primary interest of the Department has been to provide opportunities to the public to access as quickly as possible the vaccine that it receives. This case was no exception. Upon receipt of the new shipment, Department administration immediately began planning its use and is delighted to make this seasonal influenza injectable vaccine available to the public on Thursday.

The public is reminded to check the Health Department's website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com for additional revisions and updates to the Health Department influenza vaccination clinics schedules as they occur.